Making a move in fast market on my first property

[Arsenio Hart]

Hello,

I am Active Duty in the military stationed in Okinawa, Japan. I have been studying and learning about real estate investing since November of 2020. Well here I am 6 months later and I still have yet to purchase my first property. I have made multiple offers and most of my offers I have been beaten by others. The ones that I haven't been beaten by exceed beyond my original numbers in which they are in negative cash flow. I have almost closed on 2 properties but the funds going into the rehab and payback of the loan would have put me in the negative rather than a positive profit overtime. The market I have been looking into Memphis, TN. I do have a real estate agent who has done a decent job in sending me deals but it seems like I always miss out because investors are moving way faster than I. Should I continue looking in Memphis, TN or look elsewhere? I am temporarily in NC until July so I am wanting to utilize this time in the states to my advantage. Sorry for the long forum. This is my first time doing this. Thank you in advance for your time!